For some reason your web site is up, but none of the data is loading on your web site? Is your SQL Server up and running? Are you able to access the data with either your Windows account or sa? What does your SQL Server error log report? What is the culprit?
Chances are if the SQL Server error log reports messages of:
Logon Error: 18487, Severity: 14, State: 1.
Logon Login failed for user 'loginname'. Reason: The password of the account has expired. [CLIENT: <named pipe>]
Then the password for the login used in your web application has expired. SQL Server 2005 introduced 'Enforce password policy' and/or the 'Enforce password expiration' configurations which use the local policies for password length, complexity and expiration. Depending on how Active Directory, the local policies and your rights are setup, these parameters can be reviewed and changed to dictate how SQL Server uses configurations.
Where can I find the login properties?
- Open Management Studio and the object browser.
- Navigate to the Security | Logins folder.
- Find the login you are interested in reviewing.
- Right click on the login and select 'Properties' option.
- On the General tab, review the 'Enforce password policy' and the 'Enforce password expiration' configurations.
Where can I find the password policies?
Navigate to Start | All Programs | Administrative Tools | Local Security Policy and to review the local policies on the machine.
- Review your logins to ensure you are aware if they are using the Enforce password policy and/or the Enforce password expiration configurations.
- Based on initial research, these configurations apply to all editions of SQL Server 2005 from Express to Enterprise.
- Setup an alert to capture when this event occurs to correct it immediately or determine another means to reset the passwords so these policies do not impact your applications.
- For additional information about the Enforce password policy and/or the Enforce password expiration configurations, reference the Password Policy article in SQL Server 2005 Books Online.
- For additional SQL Server 2005 security information check out these on MSSQLTips.com:
Last Update: 10/18/2006
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